Unfortunately, workplace injuries remain a serious public health problem in Indiana. According to the most recent comprehensive report from the Indiana Department of Labor, the state’s work-related injury rate has been higher than the national average for more than a decade.

All injured workers in our state need comprehensive medical care and access to adequate financial support. Through a workers’ compensation insurance claim, injured employees can seek coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses and compensation for lost wages.

However, obtaining full and fair workers’ compensation benefits is not always easy. To do so, an injured worker must file all of the required documents before the relevant deadlines.

You Have a Limited Amount of Time to Seek Workers’ Comp Benefits in Indiana

If you or your loved one was hurt on the job in Indiana, it is essential that you take immediate action to protect your legal rights and financial interests. There are two key Indiana workers’ comp claims deadlines that you should know. First, you must report your injuries to your employer, in writing, within 30 days of the work-related accident. Failure to report your injuries could result in you being denied benefits. Additionally, you have two years to file an Indiana workers’ compensation claim. Once again, failure to comply with this deadline is likely to result in your claim being denied.

An Overview of the Paperwork

To file for workers’ compensation in the state of Indiana, you need to make sure that all of your documents, records and paperwork are in proper order. There are three key types of documents that you must obtain and submit:

1. First Report of Injury: For a workers’ compensation coverage claim to proceed, an injured worker must complete and submit the First Report of Injury form. Also known as State Form 34401, this document will ask for basic facts about your injuries and/or accident. Your employer should submit this, as well as provide you with a copy. If you were hurt on the job and have not received said form, call an Indiana workers’ compensation attorney immediately.
2. Medical Records: Injured employees require immediate medical treatment. Under Indiana law, you cannot obtain workers’ compensation benefits without first seeing a medical provider; no medical records, no benefits. It is best to find a doctor who has treated injured workers in the past, as, without well-organized medical records, it will be far more difficult to pursue full and fair workers’ comp benefits.
3. Additional Workers’ Comp Forms: Indiana workers’ comp claims vary widely from case to case. Some injured workers may be able to obtain their benefits relatively easily, while, in other cases, additional workers’ comp forms may need to be filed to get a claim resolved. You may be required to ask for a wider review of your claim to get the maximum available compensation.

All workers’ compensation application forms are available online through the Worker’s Compensation Board of Indiana. If you have any specific questions about completing one of these forms or work injury claims in general, you should not hesitate to reach out to an experienced Indiana workers’ compensation lawyer for assistance. If you’d like to know more about this area, read our workers’ compensation law overview.